The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) on Thursday unveiled its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, favouring caste census and promising a separate commission for farmers' welfare, right to apprenticeship, 50 per cent reservation for women in jobs. The Sharad Pawar-led party said it supports full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and rejects the idea of 'one nation, one election'. As per the manifesto, titled "Shapatnama", the NCP (SP) will review and propose changes to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Register for Citizens (NRC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other laws "conflicting" with the constitutional principles. It also mentioned that the party advocates empowering state and local governments, reviewing power distribution and enforcing constitutional amendments. "We will demand a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations. We will ban contract labour in government sectors and legally protect the contract workers' benefits," Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Jayant Patil said addressing a press conference in Mumbai, reported PTI. The manifesto, unveiled in the presence of NCP (SP) chief and former Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, also favours caste census, scrapping of the Agnipath scheme, safety audit for women and strengthening cyber laws related to them. The NCP (SP) said it endorses the five "nyay" (guarantees) of the Congress mentioned in the grand old party's manifesto for Lok Sabha elections 2024 on the issues pertaining to farmers, youth, women, labourers and caste census. Patil said if the party gets a chance to be in power at the Centre, it would give the Goods and Services Tax (GST) a "human face", reported PTI. "LPG cylinder prices will be kept at Rs 500 and if necessary, will be subsidised by the government. Petrol, diesel tax will be restructured," he said, reported PTI. To a query on Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking to know what Pawar has contributed to the agriculture sector, the NCP (SP) chief said, "I don't wish to react to the remarks of those who have negligible knowledge of the sector. He should first speak on what his government has done in the last ten years," reported PTI. The manifesto also outlined the party's foreign policy related to strategic global diplomacy, fostering partnerships that resonate with India's role on the world stage, and highlighted the party's views on national and internal security. "We also prioritise judicial reforms, ensuring access to justice and inclusive representation within the judiciary," the NCP (SP) said in the manifesto. Patil said the manifesto emphasises on "all-inclusive" development and speaks of affordable health and education, the party's views on environment, art and culture and what is proposes to do if voted to power. The Sharad Pawar-led party's manifesto for Lok Sabha elections 2024 also highlights welfare measures for the LGBTQ community. (With inputs from PTI)
25 April,2024 12:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
As the electoral battle for 48 seats in the state heats up further, the political parties are busy strategising their moves. The two major forces MahaYuti (Shiv Sena, NCP, BJP) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (Shiv Sena UBT, NCP-SP, Congress) are going to be taking on each other. While the incumbent government is campaigning with the aim of 'Ab ki baar, 400 par', the opposition parties are looking to capitalise on the victim card. However, a strong contender to stand up to both these forces has recently seen a meteoric rise and could change the electoral landscape in the state. Political strategist Ritwik Mehta, who is also the founder of the think tank Niti Tantra, gave key insights regarding the political landscape in Maharashtra, particularly focusing on the alliances and strategies of major political parties as they gear up for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The discussion delved into the internal dynamics of political coalitions, the emergence of new players, and the evolving socio-political factors shaping electoral outcomes. Mehta, responding to a query on the two coalitions of Maharashtra working out, said that Maha Vikas Aghadi's ship is sailing in troubled waters, especially amid seat-sharing talks. "The alliance is based on two factors and they are chemistry and mathematics. The BJP is in alliance with Shiv Sena because chemistry and with Ajit Pawar-led NCP for mathematics," said Ritwik; however, he pointed out that Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP-SP are not ideologically aligned and added that the public airing of discontentment has had an impact. The founder of Niti Tantra added, "When Sena (UBT) released their list of candidates, top leadership of Congress in the state publically expressed displeasure saying they were not taken into confidence. It took nearly a week for the exchange of barbs between Congress and Sena (UBT)'s top leaders to stop." Sena (UBT) had announced candidates for 17 seats including those in Mumbai and Sangli which were at the time under discussion. Also Read: Exclusive: 'In politics, friends become enemies; you never know in which direction the coin will flip,' says Prakash Ambedkar Mehta further said that the cadre of the grand old party in Sangli is not happy with the decision of the MVA. Effect of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on grand alliances Speaking about the effect of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 results on the following two alliances, he remarked that the handling of discontentment brewing among parties is crucial, especially for MVA. He also remarked that the MahaYuti is sailing relatively smoothly over the chemistry between the parties. The political analyst said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi and INDIA bloc in national politics are at risk of disbanding due to the internal conflict amidst the parties. Elucidating on it further, Mehta stated that Maha Vikas Aghadi faces challenges in maintaining cohesion which raises concerns about the alliance's stability. He said in the broader coalition INDIA, a similar view can be witnessed. "One by one, the opposition bloc leaders are backing out, Mamata Banerjee fought solo. Nitish Kumar also switched and sided with BJP due to increasing pressure by his party leaders who believed they came to power because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Ritwik said. Factors influencing voter behaviour in Maharashtra When asked about the evolving demographics and socio-economic factors influencing voter behaviour, Ritwik said that in the Lok Sabha Elections, 2024 caste identities will play a significant role as parties are attempting to appeal to diverse voter segments. Given the recent Maratha agitation and the increased intensity of the protests in the last few months of 2024, Ritwik said, BJP winning from Marathwada seems difficult. He added that the saffron party however is likely to sweep all seats in Vidarbha. "Through my interactions with community members, particularly in Vidarbha, where Marathas wield significant power, it is clear that support for the BJP continues. Even in Chandrapur, where the Congress has put Pratibha Dhanorkar as a candidate, pockets of Maratha voters support the BJP. This move can be linked to the execution of several schemes, like as the Vishwakarma Yojana, and Prime Minister Modi's explicit affinity with the OBC community, which is supported by his cabinet's," Mehta added. Ritwik added that, "Caste politics continue to play a significant role in electoral dynamics. Additionally, regarding tribal votes, the misconception that only Gonds support the BJP has been debunked. With Draupadi Murmu assuming the presidency, there has been a notable increase in support from various tribal communities, as evidenced in the recent Chhattisgarh elections." The political strategist further said, "You will see not only the Gonds, but Bhils also, a very minor section votes for the BJP." He added that however, at one point in time Congress ran the Mulund network of methods. If you go to Mumbai and talk to the Muslim community, they once voted for the INC. Now you talk to the minority community, the Muslims, they say they will vote for the Sena UBT, he said. Thackeray & Ambedkar factors Amid the recent happenings including Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena announcing it will support the Mahayuti, it changed the dynamics of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 contest in Maharashtra. Ritwik Mehta, speaking to mid-day, said that initially Raj Thackeray was brought to counter the Uddhav Thackeray group and he was being offered one seat. However, it seems like Thackeray's party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) seems to have struck a deal with BJP that if they back Mahayuti In Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the saffron party will support them in state assembly elections and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Since the talks with MVA failed and Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has decided to fight the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 solo. "VBA was supposed to join MVA, however, that fell through. MVA wanted to take Ambedkar's party since it had divided the Dalit and Mahar communities' votes in 2019 assembly elections which had benefitted the BJP in the end," Ritwik said. He added that had VBA joined Maha Vikas Aghadi, it would have been difficult for the BJP or other parties of Mahayuti. When questioned about the impact VBA going solo will have on the electoral landscape, Ritwik said, "Mahars usually do not vote for BJP in either Maharashtra or across India; however, the Matangs do. The Mahar community's votes in Maharashtra goes to VBA now and in other states it is Congress." He added that Ambedkar has been aggressively campaigning for their candidates and giving good press conferences to set their foot. Mehta added, "If the same thing happens in the Assembly, that Prakash Ambedkar does not join the Maha Vikas Aghadi, and they don't have the right to share seats, then, I think, in the Assembly, they will do the same damage as they did in 2019, and it will eventually help the BJP only, because votes will be cut." As the election date draws nearer, one thing is clear – Maharashtra's political landscape is poised for a seismic shift. Whether it is the rise of the VBA, the intricacies of coalition politics, or the aspirations of the common voter, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the Lok Sabha Elections of 2024.
25 April,2024 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjana DeshpandeBJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan has said an individual's opinion does not matter when it comes to narrative about the Constitution and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly stated the statute book will not be changed, reported news agency PTI. The former Maharashtra chief minister also pointed out on Wednesday that a party colleague and sitting MP who talked about changing the Constitution has been denied re-nomination from his seat in Karnataka, reported PTI. "What my party's top leader (PM) says about it (Constitution) is more important to us (than an individual's comments on the issue)," BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan asserted. Chavan, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP in February, was speaking to reporters in his home district Nanded, where polling will take place on Friday along with seven other Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. "Those who spoke about bringing changes in the country's Constitution did not get a ticket from the BJP to contest Lok Sabha elections. I think it happened in Karnataka. The opinion of an individual does not matter...what my party's top leader says about it is more important to us," he said, reported PTI. Chavan was apparently referring to BJP's Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha member Anantkumar Hegde's controversial comments on the Constitution. Last month, Hegde said it is necessary for the party to gain a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and also come to power in more than 20 states to amend the Constitution aimed at setting right alleged distortions and unnecessary additions to it by the Congress. "Our party's top leader and Prime Minister Modi has clearly communicated that there will not be any changes in the Constitution. The PM's comment is like a policy matter for us," emphasised BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan, reported PTI. Asked about facing opposition from Maratha quota supporters, the former CM maintained he has told them that a law providing reservation to the community in jobs and education has been enacted by the 'Mahayuti' government in Maharashtra. "I have been holding meetings in villages to explain to Maratha quota supporters that the Act offering reservation to the Maratha community is in force. Though the law has been challenged in court, it has not been stayed," the BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
25 April,2024 11:26 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA few suburban and long-distance trains of the Central Railway were delayed on Wednesday evening due to a cattle run-over incident near Kasara station coupled with a technical glitch, officials said, reported news agency PTI. Central Railway trains delayed: Kasara-bound local train was detained A Kasara-bound local train was detained between Khardi and Umbermali stations for a long time after a cattle was run over on the tracks around 5.30 pm, reported PTI. The incident led to a glitch in the braking system of the local train, and hence, with the help of an assisting engine, it was taken to Kasara station. At least five long-distance trains and a few other locals were delayed as a result, officials said. Central Railway trains delayed: Titwala-bound fast suburban local developed a technical glitch Another railway official said that a Titwala-bound fast suburban local developed a technical glitch near Ghatkopar station in Mumbai around 6 pm, reported PTI. After 20 to 25 minutes, the train resumed the journey and was taken to the Thane station where it was sent to the car shed. Some commuters complained that crowds on the platforms and in local trains swelled due to the late-running locals. Some trains were running at least 30-40 minutes late, reported PTI. Central Railway trains delayed: General Manager conducts pre-monsoon inspection of Karjat-Lonavala section Earlier last week, Central Railway General Manager Ram Karan Yadav, along with his team, took to hike the Khandala Ghat hills to conduct a comprehensive pre-monsoon inspection of the Karjat-Lonavala section on the Pune-Mumbai route. This segment, comprising 52 tunnels, towering hills up to 250 meters, and sharp curves with steep gradients, is vital to the Mumbai division's operations. These mountain stretches have the steepest gradient in the country of 1:37 which means there is a 1-metre rise for every 37 metres. “This is a historical inspection as it was probably the first time an official of the level of General Manager hiked the Hill for an inspection which started at 5 am and reached the hilltop around 7 am almost covering 3.5 km of hilly route, after reaching the hilltop all critical locations from Monkey Hill Cabin to Thakurwadi were inspected. Shri Rajnish Goyal, Divisional Railway Manager and other senior officers accompanied the General Manager during this Hill Inspection,” a CR spokesperson said. (With inputs from PTI)
25 April,2024 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo bodies of missing children were found in the Antop Hill area. The Antop Hill police station had previously registered a missing persons complaint regarding this matter. The incident came to light when the victims' parents approached the police station, reporting that their siblings had been missing since Wednesday afternoon. Promptly, the police registered a missing persons complaint. After scrutinising CCTV footage and conducting a search of the surrounding area, the children's bodies were discovered in an old car. Authorities suspect the children were playing in the car, became trapped, and subsequently died due to suffocation. The police have identified the siblings as Sajit Shaikh (7) and Muskan Shaikh (5). The Antop Hill police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in this matter.
25 April,2024 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheOne person died after a major fire broke out in a building at Jai Maharashtra Nagar near Antop Hill late Wednesday night, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Fire breaks out in Antop Hill: Fire originated from a grocery shop The deceased, whose body was found during the rescue operation, was identified as Pannalal Vaishya, 70. As per the civic body, the fire originated from a grocery shop situated in a ground-plus-one-storey building in Jai Maharashtra Nagar near Antop Hill in Wadala East around 11:54 pm. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 12:04 am. Thereafter, Vaishya was rescued and rushed to the nearby Sion Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. He had suffered 100 per cent burn injuries, the BMC said. Fire breaks out in Antop Hill: Fire primarily affected the electric wiring The fire primarily affected the electric wiring, electrical installations, and grocery materials in the ground-floor grocery shop. Additionally, it damaged electric wiring, electrical installations, and household articles on the upper floor of a ground-plus-one chawl structure. Before the Fire Brigade arrived, two-cylinder explosions were reported by members of the public, said the BMC. Besides the fire brigade, police, local civic ward officials and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) staff were also mobilised for the firefighting operation. Fire breaks out in Antop Hill: Other incidents Earlier, a fire broke out in a slum area of Navi Mumbai's Belapur area on Monday, an official said, reported news agency ANI. Fire tenders were rushed to the slum area of Navi Mumbai to douse the blaze. According to preliminary information, the fire occurred due to an explosion in a cylinder while cooking, the official told ANI. No casualty or injury was reported in the incident. Further details are awaited. In another incident, a fire broke out in a residential building located in Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, on Saturday night, officials confirmed. The fire started on the ninth story of the structure in Navi Mumbai, according to officials. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported as a result of the incident, the ANI report stated. According to the report, firefighters arrived on the scene quickly after getting the information and began working to suppress the fire. Firefighters are now conducting efforts to get the situation under control. As the investigation into the incident progresses, more information about the source of the fire and any potential damage is expected, the report added. (With inputs from Agencies)
25 April,2024 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe intoxicated husband plotted to unlawfully seize his second wife's property by falsely accusing her of alcohol and drug addiction, leading to her being involuntarily sent to a rehabilitation centre. According to police sources, a group of individuals, including women, showed up at the residence of a 52-year-old woman on Film City Road, Santosh Nagar, near R A Bhaskar Ground. They falsely claimed to be from the crime branch, forcibly made her sit in a vehicle, and transported her to a rehabilitation centre in Uttan, Bhayandar Weston, under the pretext of an investigation. The woman's phone was switched off; her daughters, growing increasingly concerned, reached out to their stepfather, who falsely informed them that their mother had been hospitalised due to failing health. Suspicions arose when the daughters arrived at their mother's home to find it occupied by numerous individuals, along with the Narsary Center. They promptly called the police for assistance and then hurried to the Dindoshi police station to inform the duty inspector. The police detained the woman’s husband, Imran Mansuri, who eventually confessed to the truth. With police assistance, the woman was rescued from the rehabilitation centre. Upon the woman's complaint, the Dindoshi police registered a case against four people, including her husband, Imran Mansuri. The other accused were identified as Shailesh Gauda, Abdullah Beg, and Raju Beg Mansuri. "Imran Mansuri was arrested yesterday," said an officer from the Dindoshi police station. According to the victim's statement to the police, "The other three accused booked were those who had been planning to seize my house and nursery for years and had previously attacked and attempted to kill me in 2017. When they failed, they manipulated my husband into participating in this scheme by luring him." "When they kidnapped me and were taking me towards Miraroad, after reaching the Western Express highway, I saw the Dindoshi police station. I asked the people if they were crime branch officers and why they had not informed the local police. I requested them to take me to the police station, but they did not stop the van," she said. "I requested drinking water, and they handed me a bottle, but upon taking a sip, I immediately spat it out—it was laced with alcohol. They then doused me with the entire contents of the bottle," said the victim in her complaint to the Dindoshi police. "I found myself in a house among several other women and girls. They ushered me into a separate room and locked the door, attempting to force-feed me a tablet, which I adamantly refused. Confused about my whereabouts, I approached a girl present there, who claimed to be a drug rehabilitation center staff. The kidnappers revealed they were acting on my husband's instructions," said the victim. "My mobile phone had been confiscated by my husband. When my daughters couldn't reach me and my phone appeared switched off, they grew suspicious and contacted Imran. They promptly called the police, who obtained my location from Imran and contacted the centre. During a video call with an officer, I narrated my ordeal, leading to my daughters being directed to the centre and my subsequent rescue," she said. "On the way to Dindoshi, my daughters informed me that our home and nursery had been seized. Upon informing the duty officer, the police team went to investigate, finding the house ransacked and around Rs. 36,000 missing, which I had given to my nephews for school fees. Additionally, all property documents were gone. It became evident that the same individuals who had attacked me with the intent of seizing my property had orchestrated this entire ordeal, with my husband's involvement," said the victim. "Despite my husband's tearful pleas for forgiveness at the police station, I remained resolute in not granting it," she added. "Based on the 52-year-old woman’s complaint, we have registered the FIR under various sections of the IPC, including kidnapping, and booked four accused, including the complainant's husband. We have arrested the husband yesterday while the other accused were summoned," said senior inspector Irfan Shaikh from Dindoshi police station. "Mansuri is remanded in one-day police custody," he added.
25 April,2024 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanNCP (Sharad Pawar) candidate from Baramati Supriya Sule reacts to local women offering her prasad at Khadakvasla assembly constituency in Pune, on Wednesday.
25 April,2024 07:35 AM IST | Khadakvasla | A CorrespondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made India the capital of injustice in the world. Rahul was speaking at a rally in support of Congress’s candidate from Solapur, Praniti Shinde. “Justice needs to be done. Modi has made India the capital of injustice. He is scared as he knows that the election is slipping out of his hands. Due to the electoral bond theft, he knows he will be in trouble after the elections. This is the reason he is continuously telling lies. But he can not get away this time,” the Congress leader said. Gandhi also criticised Modi for allegedly waiving loans worth Rs 16 lakh crore for 22-25 individuals, which could have funded the MGNREGA scheme for 24 years. “Seventy crore population in the country has the same amount of wealth as that held by a handful of billionaires,” Gandhi added. The crowd at the rally Unemployment was at an all-time high because one per cent of the population owns 40 per cent of the wealth in the country, the Congress leader said, adding that if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, it will create “crores of lakhpatis.” He promised to prioritise farmers’ welfare, “While farmers demanded loan waivers and Minimum Support Prices from Modi, we pledge to establish a dedicated commission for farmers to recommend and facilitate loan waivers as needed. Furthermore, upon assuming power, the INDIA bloc will immediately initiate farmers’ loan waivers,” he declared. “Our Mahalaxmi scheme will provide Rs 1 lakh annually, equivalent to R8,500 per month, to women from impoverished households. Additionally, degree and diploma holders will receive apprenticeships in PSUs and other institutions for a year, along with R1 lakh deposited into their bank accounts, totalling Rs 8,500 per month,” Gandhi said. Gandhi also criticised the BJP, accusing them of attempting to dismantle the Constitution, which he argued has granted rights to the poor, workers, farmers, and backward communities. The prime minister states that he belongs to the Other Backward Class, but when the Congress demanded a caste census, he started saying there is no caste in India, and there are only the rich and the poor, the Congress leader said. “If that is so, why does he call himself an OBC,” Gandhi asked. Gandhi also criticised the government’s lack of transparency regarding donor identities, suggesting that the government had engaged in corrupt practices.
25 April,2024 07:25 AM IST | Solapur | Sameer SurveWhile there is already high-voltage drama unfolding between two Pawars in the battle for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, Sharad Pawar has filed his nomination from Baramati. The interesting part is that he is not the Sharad Chandra Pawar you may be thinking of; rather, this Sharad Ram Pawar is a rickshaw driver from Pune contesting as an independent candidate. Sharad Ram Pawar hails from the Beed district and has been residing in Pune for the past 14 years, earning a living as an autorickshaw driver for the past eight years. He is associated with the Baghtoy Rickshawala Forum, which enjoys support from the local community. Sharad Ram Pawar, an auto driver, is an independent candidate from Baramati There are also speculations among the people of Baramati that Sharad Ram Pawar might have been asked to contest as an independent candidate to create confusion among Sharad Pawar faction supporters. This move aims to split the votes of NCP (SP) candidate, Supriya Sule, thus benefiting the NDA and NCP candidate, Sunetra Pawar. Responding to these speculations, Sharad Ram Pawar said, “It would be wrong to say that I am contesting from this seat to create confusion among voters. I am contesting this election for the rights of the working-class people and members associated with the Bhartiya Kamgar Manch.” Sharad Ram Pawar has already commenced his campaign in the constituency, relying heavily on his colleagues from the Baghtoy Rickshawala Forum. The forum has also published a one-page manifesto, which they are distributing among the locals. When asked why he chose to contest from the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, Sharad Ram Pawar replied, “Because I am a part of this constituency. The current MP, Supriya tai, has not done much for the working-class people.” On Tuesday, the NCP(SP) faction wrote to the ECI objecting to the allocation of the trumpet symbol to the independent candidate, referring to it as ‘Tutari.’The name of the musical instrument in NCP (SP)’s symbol has been translated as Tutari in Marathi, and the trumpet in the independent candidate also bears the same Marathi name. That creates confusion for the voters because the NCP (SP) faction has been appealing to its voters to support the ‘tutari’ symbol at the polls. While the symbols may seem distinct, the decision by the ECI to designate the trumpet as a ‘tutari’ has caused discontent within the NCP (SP). As per media reports a total of 38 candidates are contesting from the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency.
25 April,2024 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavVoting for three regions in Marathwada—Nanded, Hingoli and Parbhani—will be held on April 26. In these three constituencies, Maratha voters are dominating and it is this Maratha vote bank that is upset due to the Maratha reservation issue in general, and also due to their losses in agriculture in the region. Balaji Wankhede, an active member of the Maratha Kranti Morcha explains why Marathas of Marathwada are strongly demanding reservation. Bhushan Deshmukh, division president of the Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh youth wing, said that the youth of Hingoli mainly depend on government jobs as there no private jobs are available “Most of the land here is dry. Yes, there is a canal, but not all land is irrigated. As time passes, the landholding of the Maratha family is reduced. One can say if one Maratha family held 10 acres of land 60-70 years ago, it’s now reduced to 1-2 acres as the family is expanded. Now we are not getting enough income from agriculture. If the youth wants to study, the family has no money to pay for private colleges or institutes. If we get a reservation, our youth get admission in government colleges with a scholarship and they can also land a government job,” he said. According to Wankhade, there are no industries or development in the three constituencies and hence the demand for reservation is very high. “The Maratha community is very upset with the government and this will reflect in the voting… they are mainly upset with the BJP state leadership,” he explained. Balaji Wankhede, Maratha Kranti Morcha A Maratha youth from Parbhani, Narayan Patil echoed this sentiment. “The Maratha community is very upset with the government. Maratha youth need affordable education which they are not getting now. In the current scenario, our farmer families can’t manage to send the youth for higher education. Also in these three constituencies, there is no industrialisation so we hardly get jobs. There are cases where even those with post-graduate degrees are not getting jobs. For this reason, Marathas are demanding reservations,” Patil told mid-day. Bhushan Deshmukh, division president of the youth wing of Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh said that the youth of Hingoli mainly depend on government jobs as there is no possibility of private jobs. “Also, the Maratha community is mainly known for agriculture, but now people don’t want to depend on agriculture as there is no guaranteed income. So the demand for reservations is high in the region,” Deshmukh added. Percentage share Constituency Maratha votersHingoli 25-27%Nanded 25%Parbhani 28%
25 April,2024 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveADVERTISEMENT
